We need a concrete track more than ever

I posted something on this very blog right here, praising the merits of a concrete track. That article was written before we got the million-dollar BMX track here in Tampines. There is history behind that track and its location. We got that location in Tampines because that was the only place that the Land Office here in Singapore could give us. That place is a big place and beggars could not be choosers so we built the track there. Unfortunately it is in the middle of a water-catchment area and as a result, that place gets pelted by rain very regularly. Costly repairs have to be done all the time. What we suggested was to have a concrete track, cover it with a thin layer of top-soil (for want of a better description) when big races are held. At least, the foundations are there and will not wash away with the rain. The problem is that no one wants to listen so more often than not, people have to be deployed to maintain it. I am not saying that there will be no maintenance if the track was made out of concrete, but it will lesson the maintenance needs, thus making it less expensive to upkeep. Unfortunately...our solution fell on deaf ears. Looks like there are monkeys still in charge now...

Singapore BMX in 2011

It is the New Year so we would like to wish one and all a very happy 2011. Hopefully, this year, we get to see if we can use that BMX track that was slated for the YOG. It seems that the track is quite badly eroded so there may need to be some works done to it to make sure that it is ride-able and safe. We will be posting some new stuff here about the track when we get news so stay tuned.

Opening of the Tampines BMX Track

There was a race today at the Tampines BMX track and I am happy to say that we now have a track that we can call our own, even though it was pretty late. But at last I can rest because the dream, at least for me, has come true. I can now fade into the shadows and rest happy because I know that in some point in my life, I have been there and done that. Don't get me wrong. I am not retiring from BMX. I intend to keep BMX alive by re-living the old-school of BMx

To those guys that are running the BMX stuff in Singapore...hold the torch high. Do not give up. Don't fall for the idiotic preaching by some of these so-called BMX consultants. These cretins were not around when we were pushing for BMX in Singapore but now, when all is said and done and there is fame and money to be made, they are coming out.

And to the next batch of young riders out there...practice hard. You now have a world-standard BMX track. Make use of it and treat it well. Make Singapore proud!

More emails with regards to the Singapore BMX track for YOG

I still keep receiving emails. Many have read about the BMX track in Singapore and the sorry state it is in. You know, it is amazing. We could have had the chance of putting some pretty good riders in Singapore on the pedestal if some one on the top had just listened to my requests to do more for BMX back in 2003 but very little was done. So just now, I get an email:

Hi all. I'm a former BMX pro (42 y o now) and also concerned about the situation. What's UCI doing about it? Will they come (to Singapore) and do an inspection on the BMX track? (what track???) I know a BMX track can be built in a few days but why not having it now to give everybody a chance to practice.
Cheers

Looks like the rest of the world is with me on this. We need to send a message to the YOG people at the top and remind them that the track is needed and fast. We have been asking for 7 years now and still nothing has been done!

More interested emails

We get lots of emails and we love receiving and replying to them. I got one such email from this gentleman yesterday and I can tell you, I know how he feels. Here it is:

Hi,

I happen to chance on your website when I was reading up on the local bmx scene. I'm a working adult by the way and started mountain biking about 6 months ago (have ridden market bike around Singapore when I was younger, when I had not much money at that time). I've watched the Olympics coverage on bmx racing and am amazed by the speed and grace the riders are tackling the track. Sad to say, the local track in Tampines is in shambles and it is not even a complete circuit. I tried the track when I'm mountain biking in Tampines trail and find that you've got to improvise to do laps on it as the ending point leads to the side of the starting gate. The YOG is next year and since Tampines is the venue for BMX and mountain biking, I'm not sure what plans the authority has to spruce up the place. Will the track be of international standard? I sincerely hope so.

That aside, I'm still heartened to see locals using the track. I hope more people will be more aware of the various disciplines in BMX after the YOG and more young people will step up and be involved in the sport. I myself have taken an interest and would like to know more.

As I wish to try out the sport, I would like to seek your advice on what bike I should get. I would prefer to get a second hand bike and wouldn't want to spend so much on it as I'm just trying out. There's some people selling their bikes in the another forum and I'm interested in getting any Haro bike there. Although I'm more inclined to the racing element, I'm also interested in the freestyle and would like to learn a few tricks myself. Been trying wheelies, stoppies and bunny hops on my mountain bike and hope to do more stuff on a bmx bike.

Another thing. Are there any middle aged or young adults group where I can learn from? I thank you for reading my e-mail and hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks for the email and letting us know how you feel. And to all out there...keep those letters coming in!

ex-BMX'er takes the gold

To all those naysayers who think that BMX is only for kids. Take a look at the picture at the guy on the left. That is Jamie Staff, an ex-BMXer who took part in track cycling and won gold! His foundation? BMX! So all those nay-sayers and non-believers (you know who you are) who think that BMX does not amount to anything, put that in your pipe and smoke it. You guys cannot see the wood from the trees!

The article can be found here and comes courtesy of the British Cycling Federation, as well as the the picture. Oh and by the way, Chris Hoy, the guy in the middle, is an ex-BMX'er too! Two out of three ain't bad you know...

Singapore to host the Youth Olympics 2010

Well, we did it! I am very proud to say that my country will be hosting the Youth Olympics 2010. Now. We need to get down to brass tacks. We have TWO years to start breeding and training BMX riders to compete in the youth Olympics. That means a world class BMX track needs to be built. Are you guys from the SSC and MCYS hearing this? It has been TEN years since we asked for facilities but you guys did not listen. Well, now that we have the Olympics, we have to move, and move fast! I am sure that I speak on behalf of all the BMXers here in Singapore that we will do all we can to realise that dream but you guys will have to come down to our level and for once, listen! So come on! Let us do it!